If you've read any of my other posts, you know I'm into being as healthy as possible.  I strongly believe improving the health of our bodies makes for a healthier planet.

 

Recently, I've been busy finding a new place to rent; my current house -- although adorable -- has terrible black mold.  In the process, I've been going through my kitchen appliances to see what I don't use and what can be replaced with more earth-friendly options.  Fortunately, what's earth-friendly is usually recession-friendly as well.

 

If you're like me, you've had the same Teflon-coated frying pan for years.  It's thoroughly scratched, and I recently learned that scratched Teflon can be very hazardous because it allows toxicity to leach into the food.  And did you know Teflon can quickly kill birds?  (Read: don't reuse as a birdbath!)  Now, my parents have glorious stainless-steel pans that, I swear, make more delicious eggs than my pan ever could.  So in an attempt to improve both my kitchen wares and my bill of health, I have officially replaced my Teflon pan with a small cast iron skillet, which makes delicious eggs and does not scratch (though I am anemic...).

 

The real challenge is what to do with the old pan.  I know that my curbside recycling here in Nashville won't take frying pans, and my local recycling center only accepts aluminum cans.  So how can I keep it out of the landfill?

 

One option is giving old appliances to Goodwill.  I plan on doing this with the coffee maker that I never use.  But is it really good will for me to give my scratched Teflon to someone else?

 

Another option is to get creative.  I love one idea found on this website: using old frying pans as water trays to put under potted plants.  I love to paint, and I was inspired by this idea to unscrew the handle and paint the outside of the pan.  This would add a little color and camouflage to the pan as I hide it under potted plants and keep my hardwood floors dry.

 

I urge you to use your creativity to save the planet.  You'll also be doing yourself some good as you create new life out of the old.